Halal Cosmetics Hope To Expand Multinationally

A woman shops for personal care products in Dubai. Halal certified cosmetics and perfumes are expanding throughout the Middle East and the Gulf regions as well as Europe.

Halal cosmetic makers aim to expand their reach multinationally to a growing body of Muslim consumers.

Perfume makers like Morocco’s Amys Group are also tapping into the market with fragrances and oils. They want to expand into Europe and the Gulf region within the next few years.

The Gulf is considered a great place for businesses to expand as area residents have increased purchasing power.

However legally certifying products as halal is problematic. There isn’t a single body that certifies products, and it differs from country to country.

“It’s very hard to come up with a global standard as there is no single authority, there is no hope. The Muslim world itself is fragmented and there are various differences in interpretation of the holy text and modern technology,” IHI Alliance director Darhim Hashim said.

Companies looking to expand outside country borders face different standards and interpretations of what is and isn’t acceptable.

It hasn’t stopped mulitnational companies like Colgate-Palmolive Co. from tapping into the halal market.

Liz Leslie is a journalist based in Bloomington, Indiana. As an associate Web producer for WFIU, Liz maintains the Muslim Voices Twitter and Facebook as well as writes for the blog. She also contributes to Earth Eats.More posts by this author »